Springboks and Stormers fly-half Manie Libbok will link up with Quade Cooper in Japan, according to reports, while\u00a0Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu fields interest from abroad.<\/b><\/p>\n
It\u2019s understood that Libbok has been granted a sabbatical from the Stormers for next season and will enjoy a stint in the Japanese Rugby League One.<\/p>\n
The playmaker struck the deal with the Cape Town-based side in March and has fielded serious interest from multiple teams in Japan since, but according to the latest reports, he will be joining the Hanazono Kintetsu Liners.<\/p>\n
Libbok\u2019s Japanese move<\/p>\n
If true, Libbok<\/a> has been recruited to replace former Wallabies fly-half Quade Cooper<\/a> at the club, with the 37-year-old hanging up his boots and reportedly joining the coaching team next season.<\/p>\n Cooper starred alongside his long-time halfback partner Will Genia in the 38-7 victory over the Toyota Shuttles this weekend, which has sealed a shot at promotion.<\/p>\n Currently in the second division in Japan, the Liners will face the Honda Heat in the promotion-relegation match, with victory seeing the side earn a place in the first division next season.<\/p>\n According to Rapport, Libbok has signed a deal with the Liners, and while he is contracted to the Stormers<\/a> until 2028, director of rugby John Dobson confirmed to the publication that there is a chance that he may not return.<\/p>\n The fly-half has endured a spell on the sidelines through injury and was set to return against the Dragons in the United Rugby Championship.<\/p>\n However, he did not get the necessary clearance from the medical team, but could feature in the Stormers\u2019 final round of the regular season against Cardiff.<\/p>\n Dobson would not be short on options if Libbok weren\u2019t to return to the Stormers after a stint in Japan with versatile backs Feinberg-Mngomezulu<\/a> and Damian Willemse on the club\u2019s books.<\/p>\n Quade Cooper revisits Brad Thorn controversy after All Blacks legend \u2018tried to kill my dream\u2019<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Stormers\u2019 healthy headache as Springboks star Manie Libbok set for timely return<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n